BARTOW – In the first report of the year, the United States Department of Agriculture projected production of Florida Oranges at 54 million boxes and Florida Grapefruit at 4.6 million boxes for the 2020-21 season, both reflecting adjustments from the previous month’s forecast.
Released Tuesday, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service report predicts a 3.5 percent decrease in Florida Orange production and 4.5 percent increase in Florida Grapefruit production over December. Production of specialty citrus held steady with 1.1. million boxes forecasted.
“While a decline in production is never welcome news, there is positivity to be found elsewhere in the industry,” said Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “Grapefruit production is up, growers continue to make great strides against citrus greening and consumers are more focused on health and wellness than ever before. We remain committed to growing Florida Orange Juice as “The Original Wellness Drink” and ensuring Florida Citrus stays top of mind for consumers around the globe.
About the Florida Department of Citrus
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs more than 37,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.5 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads and health care services. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, please visit FloridaCitrus.org.
